Residents and visitors throughout the Las Vegas area rely on Uber and Lyft to help them get around the busy, bustling city. When a ride goes wrong, however, it can result in serious injury for everyone involved in the accident: both those in the rideshare vehicle and those in any other vehicle involved in the accident. If you suffered serious injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident in Las Vegas, you need an experienced Uber and Lyft ridesharing accident lawyer in North Las Vegas to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
The Dangers of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Las Vegas
Las Vegas sees its fair share of rideshare accidents and more, partly due to the heavy traffic. Because Uber and Lyft drivers do not receive any more training than the average passenger vehicle driver, they have no additional skills to help them avoid potential accidents and navigate safely through the area. Risks may include:
- Long hours on the road. Uber and Lyft drivers can spend twelve hours in driver mode before taking at least a six-hour break. Unfortunately, this is not long enough to provide drivers adequate time to sleep and be fully restored before they get behind the wheel again.
- Excess traffic in Las Vegas. Las Vegas sees heavy passenger vehicle traffic all day, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely through the area.
- Unfamiliar areas. Uber and Lyft passengers may ask their drivers to visit areas of Vegas they aren’t already familiar with, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Who Bears Liability in Uber and Lyft Accident Claims?
If you have an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, you may face a more complex claim than if you need to file a car accident claim with a passenger vehicle driver who does not drive for a living. A North Las Vegas Uber and Lyft ridesharing accident attorney can help you evaluate the circumstances that led to your accident and provide more information about who may bear liability for your injuries.
If the Uber or Lyft Driver Caused Your Accident
If the Uber or Lyft driver caused your accident, that driver would often bear liability for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Uber and Lyft offer comprehensive insurance policies that help victims of Uber and Lyft accidents get the compensation they deserve. Whether you suffered injuries as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle or as a driver or passenger in another vehicle, that insurance policy can help offer you compensation.
However, the driver’s status at the time of the accident matters. While waiting for a passenger, the Uber or Lyft driver may have less insurance coverage than he would have while transporting a passenger or driving to pick up a passenger. In addition, if the Uber or Lyft driver has turned off the app and is not working for the company at the time, Uber or Lyft does not bear liability for the accident, and the insurance policy will not offer coverage.
If Another Driver Caused Your Accident
Sometimes, you may suffer injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident due to another driver’s negligence. In that case, the vehicle’s driver will likely bear liability for the accident. Your Uber and Lyft ridesharing accident attorney in North Las Vegas can help you file a personal injury claim to seek compensation through that driver’s insurance policy.
If You Contributed to the Accident
Nevada’s comparative negligence law may apply if you had an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver while driving your vehicle and contributed to the accident. Your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of the liability you bear for the accident. An attorney can help you better understand how much liability you may share for the accident based on the police report and other information, including witness statements.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover from an Uber or Lyft Accident in Las Vegas?
Following an Uber or Lyft accident, an attorney can help you break down the compensation you may deserve for your injuries. In general, the compensation for an Uber or Lyft accident breaks down into several key categories.
Medical Costs
Your medical costs can skyrocket following a serious auto accident, including an Uber or Lyft accident. A personal injury attorney can help you calculate your medical expenses, including future anticipated medical expenses related to serious injuries, so you can better understand the compensation you deserve.
Lost Wages
In addition to the high cost of your medical bills, you may face immense financial loss because of the wages you lose when you cannot return to work after a Las Vegas Uber or Lyft accident. While some employers may help you get back to work quickly, some injuries may prevent you from managing your job duties–or your employer might prefer you wait until you recover. You can claim those lost wages as part of your auto accident claim following the accident.
Pain and Suffering
In many car accidents, it can prove difficult to recover compensation for pain and suffering. After an Uber or Lyft accident, due to the significant insurance policies offered by both companies, it can be easier. Pain and suffering include the physical pain you felt and the mental and emotional anguish associated with the accident.
Contact a North Las Vegas Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today
Uber and Lyft have extensive experience handling auto accident claims when their drivers cause serious injuries due to negligence on the road. You need an attorney on your side with the same experience: a team that can help you maximize your compensation and fight for you. Contact Pacific West Injury Law today.
